River Phoenix’s mother honors actor: ‘He’s very much alive in me’

On what would have been the 53rd anniversary of river phoenixactor and brother of joaquin phoenix who died aged 23 on October 31, 1993, their mother and social activist, arlyn phoenix honored river in exciting text.

In a publication on Instagram made last Wednesday, 23, arlyn talked about river, who died of an overdose. “August 23, 1970…one of the most incredible days of my life…bringing Earthbound a living being…truly a touch of the holiest of all,” she wrote.

It is worth remembering how the post has an image of the actor made in 1988, with a guitar on his shoulders. “As he tried to do with most people, River Jude embraced each of his brothers (who came through the same portal after him) with his humor, wisdom, authenticity, talent, compassion, vulnerability and undying love,” he continued.

I would say he was and still is our greatest teacher. The greatest pain I have experienced in my life was the pain of natural childbirth and, although very different, the pain of the death of my son.

Right away, arlyn phoenix commented on how the family still celebrates the life of river phoenix during the 23 years in which he lived. She also explained how “there are no guarantees in life” and that she didn’t believe how someone had promised her that she would be free of lifelong tragedy.

“I consider it one of the greatest blessings to live in the moment and draw on inner knowing as a sacred path for navigating life’s many challenges. The life and death of river I was taught that, in no uncertain terms. I am in awe of the fact that he is very much alive in me. Thank you for all the precious messages I’ve received over the last 30 years.”